Meet: Olivia O’Neill, Pareto’s
Employee Benefits Administrator
Every year we select a charity to which we undertake a twelve-month mission to raise funds and volunteer. It’s truly a company wide effort with everyone getting involved. For some of our team that means attempting a half or full marathon, it could be hiking or baking or even fire walking.
For 2024 our chosen charity was the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and I’m pleased to announce that we’ve collectively raised over £10,000 of much needed funds which go to support those dealing with cancer.
While the funds we have raised are amazing, little did we know that as a result of our partnership with TCT that we would welcome a brilliant addition to our team.
I hope this brief summary inspires other businesses to look beyond the important role of fundraising and to give thought to the opportunities they may have.
Olivia’s story starts at just 16 years old, just prior to her GCSE mock exams, when a routine visit to Specsavers ended up with her being diagnosed with a brain tumour. For six years Olivia underwent numerous invasive surgeries (and several false hopes), all while trying to cope with the mental and physical challenges this treatment presents as well as trying to forge a career. However, the cancer remained stubbornly present and in 2023 Olivia was referred for Proton Beam therapy at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, one of only two trusts offering the treatment in the UK.
It was at this moment that Olivia was introduced to TCT, in what she describes as a “life changing moment”. TCT funds specialised nurses, youth workers and hospital units in the NHS, so young people have dedicated staff and facilities to support them throughout their treatment. In addition, TCT also runs events where those under-going or recovering from cancer treatment can meet with teenagers who are going through the same process. TCT enabled Olivia to meet with people who knew exactly how she was feeling and what she was experiencing – as she puts it, “Unless you’ve been in the situation you really don’t know how someone feels. The people I met understood my concerns, my apprehension and we could all relate to each other. It was incredible, it gave me such a positive boost and I’ve made friends for life.”
Olivia’s next chapter
Having been given the all clear, Olivia began to think about returning to work. She was worried that any potential employer would be concerned about her past illness. At the same time we at Pareto had been talking with Angie and Stephen, who are youth support coordinators, at TCT about some positions we had available and wondered if anyone came to mind who might be suitable.
Olivia joined Pareto at the beginning of September as an Employee Benefits Administrator and has made an immediate impact.
“Pareto has such a positive work culture, I feel valued and prioritised and if I need to attend a medical appointment they are flexible without issue. It’s a company that truly cares for all its employees.” said Olivia.
Beyond the immediate benefits of supporting worthy causes, giving back is a core value that reflects our commitment to creating a positive impact beyond our client work. By fostering stronger connections within the community, we not only contribute to meaningful change but also open the door to new opportunities and shared success for all.
Charity background
The Teenage Cancer Trust is a leading charity dedicated to providing specialised care and support to young individuals diagnosed with cancer. With a mission to ensure that no young person faces cancer alone, the charity offers a range of services, including specialised nursing care, support programs, and dedicated spaces for young cancer patients.
Providing services at hospitals in our local community including The Christie, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Alder Hey makes the charities important and much needed work even more special.
“We are thrilled to announce the Teenage Cancer Trust as our Charity of the Year. The overwhelming support from our staff reflects the genuine commitment of Pareto Financial Planning to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need,” said Jen Macfarlane, Marketing Manager at Pareto Financial Planning.
The partnership with the Teenage Cancer Trust aligns with Pareto’s core values, emphasising compassion, community engagement, and a dedication to fostering positive change. Over the course of the year, Pareto Financial Planning will actively collaborate with the Teenage Cancer Trust on various initiatives, including fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and volunteer opportunities.
To find out more about Teenage Cancer Trust please visit their website: https://www.teenagecancertrust.org
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